Utah Opera resident artists perform in Iron and Piute County schools

Utah Opera resident artists perform in Iron and Piute County schools

By Paula Fowler

Utah Opera resident artists will give free performances for students in Iron and Piute Counties throughout the week of Feb. 5–9.

During their tour, Utah Opera resident artists will offer age-appropriate performances of the lively and colorful “Who Wants to be an Opera Star?” in area elementary schools during the day, and a Wednesday evening concert intended for families and community members.

Based on the format of popular game shows, “Who Wants to be an Opera Star?” allows the visiting artists to teach the fundamentals of opera to younger students. The artists act as contestants who demonstrate their answers with vocal selections while the children serve as the studio audience. Students actively participate when they join the contestants in clapping rhythms, singing melodies, and identifying emotions in the music.

In-school performances for students are offered free-of-charge to Utah schools thanks to partial funding through the Utah State Legislature’s Professional Outreach Programs in the Schools program and the Elizabeth Brown Dee Fund for Music in the Schools.

On Feb. 7, at 7 p.m. in the Thorley Recital Hall at Southern Utah University, the Utah Opera resident artists will perform a two-part concert. The first half features an updated Western version of Donizetti’s famous “The Elixir of Love.” Sung in English, the opera presents sassy cowgirl Adina who can’t seem to get shy ranch hand Nemorino to declare his love for her. When a rival appears on the scene, Nemorino uses a magic love potion to give him courage.

After a brief intermission, the artists will offer a second half composed of a tribute to the music of Leonard Bernstein in celebration of the centenary of his birth. Selections will include musical numbers from “Candide,” “West Side Story,” and “Trouble in Tahiti.”

The schedule of events is as follows:

“Freeze Frame: Elixir of Love”

—Feb. 5, 10:35 a.m.: Piute High School.

“Who Wants to be an Opera Star?”

—Feb. 5, 1 p.m.: Oscarson Elementary School.

—Feb. 6, 10:30 a.m.: Cedar East Elementary School.

—Feb. 6, 1:30 p.m.: Iron Springs Elementary School.

—Feb. 7, 9 a.m.: Cedar North Elementary School.

—Feb. 8, 9 a.m.: Parowan Elementary School.

—Feb. 9, 9 a.m.: Three Peaks Elementary School.

—Feb. 9, 9 a.m.: Parowan High School.

“The Elixir of Love” and “A Tribute to Leonard Bernstein”

Ticket prices for the concert are $5 for individuals or $10 for families (up to 6 people) and are available the evening of the concert at the door. For more information, visit usuoeducation.org or call (801) 869-9091.